Prevention

Because RSV can be easily spread by touching infected people or surfaces, frequent hand washing is key in preventing its transmission. Try to wash your hands after having any contact with someone who has cold symptoms. And keep your school-age child with a cold away from younger siblings — particularly infants — until the symptoms pass.

Another important strategy to reduce the risk of getting the infection is to avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.

To prevent serious RSV-related respiratory disease, at-risk infants can be given a monthly injection of a medication consisting of RSV antibodies during peak RSV season (roughly November to April).

Because the protection from this medication is short-lived, it has to be given in subsequent years until the child is no longer at high risk for severe RSV infection. Ask your doctor if your child is considered high risk.